Worcester wing Aisea Havili was last night handed a one-week ban by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary committee in London.

The Tongan pleaded guilty to a dangerous tackle in the New Year's Day loss to Newcastle Falcons and will only be eligible to play again on January 17.

Which means he has effectively been let off for his high tackle of Newcastle's Dave Walder, because during that time Worcester play Catania in Pool Five of the European Challenge Cup [2014] a game for which Havili would not be available.

Meanwhile, coach Mike Ruddock has admitted Wales' hopes of retaining their Six Nations title had suffered another blow with the loss of prop Chris Horsman.

The Worcester tight-head will undergo ankle surgery to correct a long-standing problem and is unlikely to play again this season.

Horsman, who qualified to play for Wales on residency grounds last October, emerged as an integral part of Ruddock's Six Nations plans after breaking into the side during the autumn internationals.

Ruddock has already lost Grand Slam stars Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones and Kevin Morgan to injury, while Tom Shanklin remains a major doubt as he continues to recover from a knee problem.

Ruddock is also waiting on Gavin Henson, who is banned for Wales' first three championship games but fronts an appeal panel in Dublin tonight.

Horsman had been playing through the pain since October and the decision was taken that surgery could not be delayed any longer.

"The news comes as a blow," said Ruddock. "He came through the autumn Tests with flying colours. His positive attitude to the scrummage rubbed off on other players and his work outside the scrum was also impressive.

"It's a big blow to Wales but I really feel for Chris." Chris Horsman will have surgery on Thursday while Aisea Havili has received a week's ban